South east farmers may have a welfare movement an option

Farmers in the foot and mouth risk area with acute animal welfare problems brought about as a result of movement restrictions may be able to move some stock under a welfare licence.

Farmers Weekly has learnt this morning that when farmers have exhausted all over options, including sending all possible stock for slaughter they should ask their vet to prepare a report detailing the welfare problems on farm.

This report should then be submitted to the farm’s local Animal Health office which will then make a judgement on whether to issue a licence or not. However, it is clear these licences will not be issued unless a serious welfare case can be proven and licences should not be applied for without the necessary vet assessment.